Security Council Press Statement on Attacks against United Nations and Civilians in South Sudan

Security Council Press Statement on Attacks against United Nations

and Civilians in South Sudan

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President U. Joy Ogwu (Nigeria):

The members of the Security Council expressed their outrage at the recent attacks by armed groups in South Sudan that have purposefully targeted civilians as well as United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) sites and personnel, in particular the 17 April attack against the UNMISS compound in Bor that resulted in scores of dead and injured, including those seeking the shelter and protection of the United Nations, and the 14 April attacks in Bentiu and Unity State.

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms these acts and underscored that attacks on civilians and United Nations peacekeepers may constitute a war crime. The members of the Security Council extended their condolences to the families of those civilians injured and killed in these attacks, and to the people of South Sudan who deserve the opportunity to live in peace.

The members of the Security Council called on the Government of South Sudan to immediately take steps to ensure the safety of all civilians and UNMISS Protection of Civilian sites in South Sudan, to swiftly investigate these incidents, and to bring the perpetrators of these egregious acts to justice. The members of the Security Council also called on both parties to allow UNMISS to fully implement its mandate.

The members of the Security Council underscored their full support for UNMISS peacekeepers and commended the actions of the UNMISS contingents in Bor as they sought to fulfil their mandate to protect civilians. They also called on all parties to refrain from actions or statements that could further escalate the situation.

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Daily Noon Briefing

The Secretary-General condemned today’s murder of a Palestinian child in the West Bank and called for the perpetrators of that terrorist act to be promptly brought to justice. He expressed his deepest condolences to the family of Ali Dawabsha, who were themselves severely injured in the arson attack. He urged both sides to take bold steps to return to the path of peace.